From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

There is a record in the Gospel of Mark about a blind man receiving healing from Jesus.  The man’s name was Bartimaeus.  There are some very interesting details in the record that are often overlooked due to misunderstandings of the Eastern culture.

Beggars In The Bible

In our modern world it is common to see people on various corners holding up signs asking for help.  It is rightly assumed that these people are begging for money.  But in the lands and times of the Bible, there were people who begged who did not have a financial need.  So, when we read about someone begging in the Scriptures, we cannot automatically assume that they were in financial need.

There were three main areas where it was common to find beggars: at the gate of a temple, holy rivers, or other bodies of water, and, on the highway or public thoroughfares.  The latter is where Bartimaeus was begging when he called out to Jesus.

In the lands and times of the Bible, people who did not have a financial need would beg for their healing.  The Scriptures tell us that Bartimaeus was blind, but was he poor?

The Scriptural account says, “Blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.”  If he were begging out of financial need, in other words, poor and destitute, there would have been no mention of his lineage; his father’s name would have not been given.

Therefore, Bartimaeus was on the highway begging for his healing.  People in the lands and times of the Bible did this to obtain mercy from God.  They became as low as a beggar in a public place, hoping that a holy man might pass by and they could receive healing.

What About His Robe?

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he cried out saying, “Jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me.”  And then those around him told him to shut up.  But instead he kept crying out for Jesus to have mercy on him.

Jesus then stopped and called for the man.  Those who had been telling him to shut up were now telling him, “Be of good comfort, rise; he calls you.”  (I guess they were wrong in telling him to shut up before!)

The Scriptural account next includes another detail that is often overlooked, but has great significance.  The Bible says, “And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” No one told him to cast away his garment.

The garment he cast away was his robe.  Those who begged for healing as opposed to financial need often wore their robes.  Seeing someone begging in a robe instead of rags would be a very obvious indication the person was begging for healing.

A person’s robe indicated his status, his authority, his position in the community, his standing, as well as his dignity.  When Jesus called for Bartimaeus, he cast away his robe and went to Jesus, empty.  He came before Christ empty of all pride, dignity, standing, and status; he stood before him with great humility, to obtain mercy.

Cast Away Your Pride

Isn’t it inspiring to see Bartimaeus choosing to lay aside all his pride?  No one told him he should do that.  It was his choice.

You and I can do the same thing.  We can choose to empty ourselves of pride.  We can approach our loving Father with humility.  And yes, even though we are His dear children, we can still choose to get rid of our ego and self righteous bravado.

The Bible teaches us that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  Being humble does not mean being a doormat that every one walks on all day.  Bartimaeus going before Jesus, empty of all pride, is a great example of humility.

We can approach our God with the confidence and open entrance that we have as His children, and with the humbleness of Bartimaeus.

Mark 10:46-52
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calls you.

And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, What will you that I should do unto you? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

I Peter 5:5b-7:
For God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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